By Maggie Nesselroade, Contributing Writer
With a stick in her hands by fourth grade, women’s lacrosse coach Nicki Stewart has been a lifetime student of the game. Growing up in Westminster, Maryland, Stewart started playing lacrosse in late elementary school. Her journey continued on throughout middle school and high school, competing for Francis Scott Key High School and the Frederick Stars travel club over the summer. Her highly competitive high school career gave her a love for the sport and great knowledge of how it is played.
Stewart attended Towson University in Maryland but chose not to play lacrosse so that she could focus on her studies. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, Stewart married her long-time boyfriend and high school sweetheart. They now have three children, and Stewart is a full-time mom as well as a collegiate lacrosse coach.
After moving to Wilmore over six years ago, Stewart’s husband Josh started the men’s lacrosse program at Asbury. Stewart became involved at Asbury through her husband and served as the women’s assistant coach for one year before assuming the head coach position. This is her third season as the head coach, and she has helped the team improve tremendously in many areas, primarily in its defense.
The women’s lacrosse team opened its spring season with an exciting win over Hanover on Feb. 22. “Our main goal for this season is to go to the AAC [Appalachian Athletic Conference] tournament,” said Stewart. “No women’s lacrosse team in Asbury history has done this yet, and we would love to make this year the first.” At the time of writing, the team is 2-1.
But aside from what’s happening on the field, Stewart is also very involved with her athletes off the field. She succeeds in integrating spiritual growth alongside athletic development by doing team Bible studies and small groups. Looking forward to the rest of the season, Stewart is enthusiastic about where the team is headed.
“I think the thing I’m the most excited about is getting to see the girls grow as young women, both spiritually and athletically, … and of course, like any good coach, I want to win,” said Stewart.
The women’s lacrosse team may be small in numbers, but it has prospered in creating an upbeat and competitive environment. “Coach just has a positive energy about her that translates to a lot of fun times on and off the field,” said freshman lacrosse player Grace Tatro.
Keep an eye out for the Lady Eagles as they continue in their season and look to earn a spot in the AAC tournament.
